per favore
/per faˈvo.re/
In Italian, please is translated as per favore. Wiktionary also lists per piacere.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| per favore | /per faˈvo.re/ | |
| per piacere | informal |
The phrase per favore is used as an interjection to make a polite request.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase per favore literally translates to 'for favor'.
Which one should you use?
per piacere is a more informal version.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
per favore is the default form, but you can also use per cortesia to be formal. For informal situations, you may use per piacere.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
per favore is pronounced /per faˈvo.re/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- While 'per favore' is a standard way to say 'please', saying 'per favore' with a rising intonation can sometimes sound impatient or sarcastic in an argument.
- The formal alternative per cortesia derives from cortesia, which relates to the 'court' of a king and the refined behavior expected in royal circles.
- While per favore is used for requests, the word piacere is also the standard way to say 'nice to meet you' via the phrase piacere di conoscerti.
Examples in context
- Per favore, lo apra.Please open it.This sentence is useful for learning how to use per favore when asking someone to open something.Tatoeba #3034037 by Guybrush88, translation #2249804 by CK
- Il sale, per favore.The salt, if you please.This sentence is useful for using per favore when requesting an item like salt.Tatoeba #4897510 by Guybrush88, translation #29861 by aka_aj
- Si alzi, per favore.Stand up, please.This sentence is useful for practicing per favore when asking someone to stand up.Tatoeba #12711443 by Guybrush88, translation #325441 by CK
- Mi potrebbe passare l'acqua, per favore?Could you pass me the water, please?
- Potrebbe aiutarmi, per cortesia?Could you help me, please?
- Potrebbe farmi un favore, per piacere?Could you do me a favor, please?
- Prego, si accomodi.Please, have a seat.
- 6505 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a café in a small town.
- AlessandroUn caffè per me, per favore.A coffee for me, please.
- GiuliaCertamente, eccolo.Certainly, here it is.
- AlessandroGrazie, Giulia.Thank you, Giulia.
- GiuliaPrego, Alessandro.You're welcome, Alessandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations and entries per favore, per piacere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
